The world of beauty is full of myths and one-size-fits-all skincare advice. So how do you sift through all the information and get to the truth in beauty?
It's always best to consider multiple sources and never substitute a google search for medical advice. When in doubt, always make an appointment with your dermatologist to address your concerns and leave with the guidance you can trust.
For now, we've done the research for you and we're setting the record straight on 6 common skincare myths and misconceptions.
Myth: You only need Retinol in your skincare if you have wrinkles or your skin is showing signs of aging.
Retinol is great as preventative skincare and combatting several skin concerns, this powerhouse topical has multiple incredible benefits! One of the most common misconceptions is that you don't need to add retinol into your routine unless you're of a certain age & your skin is showing signs of aging. The fact is, using retinol is one of the best preventative measures you can take before wrinkles & fine lines show up but the benefits don't end there. This popular topical produces amazing results in combating stubborn breakouts while reducing scarring, uneven texture, and discoloration. Retinol penetrates deeply into the skin's layers and works to unclog pores, which helps to reduce acne and exfoliate the skin's surface to improve overall texture and tone. Retinol works wonders in boosting elastin and collagen production which is why it is a go-to ingredient in anti-aging solutions. Whether your concern is fine lines, wrinkles, firmness, or acne, retinol may be just what your skin needs to restore a healthy, youthful glow.
We suggest our 4-in-1 'smart' serum The Nightly, for a daily dose of retinol. If your skin is craving a deeper reset, give your nighttime routine a retreat with R45 The Reversal. Our award-winning 3-phase retinol night cream is formulated with a patented booster system that is so powerful, you only need to use it twice a year!
Myth: All chemicals in skincare are dangerous and should be avoided.
Humans are entirely made up of chemicals and so is everything around us, the key is selecting products with non-toxic ingredients. Right now, clean beauty is all the rage and the world is paying more attention than ever to their skincare ingredients. While we're all about clean, sustainable skincare, there is a lot of misinformation on what clean beauty stands for. Clean doesn't mean chemical-free, and contrary to what you may have been led to believe, all chemicals are not harmful to your skin. For example, water is technically a chemical. When was the last time you were concerned about putting water on your skin?
The key to keeping your routine clean is avoiding cosmetic ingredients that are known or suspected to be potentially harmful to human health and/or the environment. Some of the no-no ingredients you should avoid at all costs are; Sulfates, Parabens, Formaldehyde, Triclosan, Hydroquinone, and Oxybenzone. Here at BeautyBio, our mission has always been transparency in formulation and sourcing while avoiding harmful ingredients. We reign supreme in clean (with multiple awards to show for it💁♀️) and we are very proud to continue to be a brand you can trust.
Myth: You don't need to wear sunscreen if the sun is not visible, or if you are not out in the sun.
Harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds & gray skies as well as windows and they are present year round no matter the forecast. Research has also shown the damaging effects blue light from your electronics can have on your skin, sunscreen containing zinc oxide can help protect against that damage as well. Proper use of sunscreen helps reduce discoloration and visible signs of aging on the skin so it's safe to say, sunscreen should be a part of your everyday skincare routine to protect your glow. You want to make sure you are reapplying your sunscreen throughout the day or during prolonged sun exposure for maximum protection. Try our 4-in-1 color matching SPF 30 The Perfector to rewind sun damage and shrink the appearance of pores for make-up optional skin.
Pro Tip: Take your before & after sun exposure skincare to the next level with vitamin C to shield your skin from photoaging and support collagen production. Add this skin savior to your routine with The Daily, our acid-free vitamin C serum.
Myth: Hot water is best for your skin to open the pores and get a deeper clean.
Washing your face with hot water may be relaxing and seem like the solution to unclogging pores but it is harmful to the health of your skin.
Hot water strips your skin of its natural oils which disrupts the natural moisture balance & compromises your precious skin barrier. This causes skin inflammation, which equals redness, peeling, breakouts, and an increase in irritation. Cleansing your skin with lukewarm or cool water is the way to go to maintain a healthy, hydrated complexion. When you wash your face, let your cleanser sit for one minute before rinsing. This allows the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin and helps to unclog pores, remove makeup, and dissolve excess oil.
We suggest starting your routine with The Balance, our all-in-one gel cleanser that gently removes impurities & restores the skin's pH balance without stripping the skin's natural oils. When your skin is craving a deeper clean, try adding our Residue Erasers to your routine. These alcohol-free pads gently clarify the skin, working to dissolve makeup & gunk that may have been left behind after cleansing.
Myth: The harder you scrub your skin, the better.
Aggressive exfoliation doesn't equal smooth, glowing skin as you may think. Abrasive exfoliation can disrupt your skin barrier and leave the skin sore with breakouts or rashes. You also want to be mindful of how often you exfoliate, over-exfoliation causes inflammation which can lead to acne, dark spots, and skin irritation. If you're an aggressive scrubber (no judgment), use your ring finger and pinky to exfoliate as these naturally apply less pressure than your forefingers or palm of your hand.
Not sure what exfoliant is best for you? Our favorite choice hands down is Glass & Gloss, our two-step retexturizing & brightening treatment. Glass & Gloss is formulated with nanodermabrasion crystals that provide a gentle exfoliation that is safe to use 2-3x per week. The restorative gel serum provides healing hydration for velvety soft skin & a lit-from-within glow.
Pro Tip: Check out our blog on exfoliation to learn everything you need to know to restore your skin & say hello to a healthy, hydrated complexion.
Myth: You shouldn't use a moisturizer if you have oily skin.
You've got oily, acne-prone skin so naturally you feel like the last thing you should do is moisturize right? Not exactly. For a healthy complexion, balance is key. You want to maintain your skin's natural moisture without an overproduction of skin oil (sebum) & using the right moisturizer is the best way to create that balance. When your skin is properly hydrated it will actually decrease oil production because your skin won't feel the need to compensate for the lack of moisture. Skipping a moisturizer in your routine can cause oil glands to go into overdrive, leading to clogged pores & stubborn breakouts. The best solution for oily, acne-prone skin is a lightweight, oil-free formula for consistent daily use. Try The ZenBubble, our multi-purpose gel cream formulated to balance and correct sensitive, blemish-prone skin for a healthy, hydrated glow.
Remember, everyone's skin is different. The same product or method that works well for one person, may not be the best option for you. When it comes to skincare, sometimes it takes a bit of trial and error to get the perfect routine. Your skin may go through a purging period when introducing new products so follow product directions exactly and give your skin time to adjust. Pay attention to any adverse reactions, do thorough research, and always consult a licensed physician for any major skin issues.
Cheers to a healthy glow and a flawless, radiant complexion!